Schedule for the Weekend:

Friday:

  • Colin and I will be in Bath, sketching from around 17:00, before heading for a drink at the Griffin Inn (venue subject to change)

Saturday:

  • 08:00 - Optional coffee at the Bath Coffee Company

  • 09:00 - Introduction and ice breaker exercises, followed by a couple of exercises looking at the fascinating scenes and complexities of urban life in Bath

  • 12:30-13:30 - Lunch break (see below for more advice)

  • 13:30 - 16:00 - Inside-outside sketching - using photos and a quick sketch outside as inspiration for a finished work in the warmth!

  • 17:00 onwards - Colin and I will head out for some more sketching and drinks with any who wish to join!

Sunday:

  • 08:00 - Optional coffee again!

  • 09:00 - 12:30 - Sketching in and around a cafe. We will arrange a cafe that will house us for a couple of hours, and we'll practice sketching the interiors (and if you wish the exterior) scenes that are much cosier and warm at this time of year.

  • 12:30-13:30 - Lunch break (See below for more advice)

  • 13:30-16:00 - More inside-outside sketching, depending on weather. Here we will encourage more independent ideas, and capturing of scenes that you've had your eye on as we've wondered around on the other days.

FAQs

What is there for lunch?

There are a vast array of places to eat just moments from our venue - from cafes, to street eats, and simple supermarket sandwiches!

What about coffee?

A million options! And lots of wonderful independent quality coffee shops.

Do I need an outside seat/stool/camping chair?

This could be a useful addition indeed. There are places to sit and perch around the town, however, there are seats, walls and many other perches that you'll be able to find as well. In reality, most people don't bring seats to our courses and this wasn't a major issue for anyone.

Is there parking in Bath?

Yes, but the nearest free parking is over a mile from the centre, there is plentiful paid parking in the centre. Be ware of the congestion charge for high polluting vehicles.

What other equipment do I need?

Everything is listed in the course pages.

If you don't have something that is listed, it really won't be vital! Bring the size of paper and sketchbook that you are most comfortable with. That is the same for you colours, inks and anything else you might use.

The aim of the weekend is that you enjoy yourself, and feel more comfortable in your style. As much as a small army of Toby and Colin clones would be fun (!!) it's even more fun if everyone is enjoying being happy in themselves 😀

What if it's raining? or too hot?

Do prepare for the weather with a coat/umbrella and sun cream and hats. We won't be outside if the weather is awful, but we might still venture out to get some reference material and work on very quick sketches to build on inside.

Some of the workshops look quite long to be outside?

We will never be far from our venue, there will always be the option for some of the group to return and sketch inside, or even go to the cafe and have a break for a little while. Colin and I will make sure that you feel comfortable doing this, and if there is a group (or even just one person) that wants to be back inside, Colin and I will divide and conquer and make sure that both groups have our attention.